Shirley C. Paloucek

Shirley Paloucek, 99, of New Buffalo, walked into the arms of Jesus on Friday, January 23, 2015 at Woodland Terrace in Bridgman, MI. Arrangements have been entrusted with Sommerfeld Chapel in New Buffalo. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Shirley will be cremated with private committal service at Pine Grove Cemetery in New Buffalo. Memorial contributions in Shirley’s memory may be made to Hospice At Home.   Shirley was born on November 15, 1915 in New Buffalo to Winfield and Edna (Kruger) Redding. On November 24, 1938 she married Edward Paloucek; he preceded her in death on December 16, 2006. Together they raised two children – Charlene and Edward. Shirley received her Master’s Degree in Teaching from Western Michigan University after the birth of her children. She taught in the New Buffalo school system as a third grade teacher for ten years. Shirley also had a dance studio in New Buffalo in the 1930’s-1940’s. She was a member of St. John United Church of Christ, and the church organist for 65 years.   Shirley is survived by her children- Charlene “Cookie” (Steve) Ferguson of LaPorte, IN and Edward (Sheryl) Paloucek of St. Joseph, MI; four grandchildren-Bobbi (Rick) Mooshian, Jacki (Weston) Brown, Kris (Joseph) Ransom and Seth Paloucek; and six great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents-Winfield and Edna Redding, her husband-Edward, a half-brother-Raymond and a half-sister-Pauline.